SEA THE VALUE: Quantifying the value of marine life to diversby Lisa White Dr. Lisa Campbell, Advisor May 2008 Masters

Most of us at Shark Angels are not shark scientists, but we do have a great deal of practical experience with sharks. We have made sharks our passion and our vocation. Many of us have been diving with sharks for years, logging thousands of dives with a number of different dive operations around the globe in a wide range of conditions with at least 50 different species of sharks (primarily with the large, charismatic species that often receive a bad reputation). Many of us have individually spent hundreds of hours underwater with sharks. There is no doubt that we all share a healthy respect for these animals. We have studied, experienced, observed, and learned from the best teachers, but we have also seen what irresponsibility or knee-jerk reactions can do – both immediately and long term.

While continuing a steadfast support for the shark tourism industry, we believe that there are best practices when it comes to interacting with sharks.

This is meant to be a place to share and exchange information – so please, if you’ve got any input, suggestions, things and places to add, don’t hesitate to send it to us. We’ve compiled these based on our experiences with the intent of sharing our personal best practices – not to create the definitive shark diving guidelines or legislate the sport. We would love to hear from you!